Building The Kingdom: Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
Pastor Hunter Bingham
September 22, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction:
Self Reflection:
Today, we're continuing our series called Building the Kingdom, asking the question, “As Christians, what should we be doing?”
Series recap:
This series focuses on building the kingdom of God.
We're exploring what it means to be disciple missionaries partnering with God (Father, Son, and Spirit) in constructing His kingdom.
Today's focus:
How do we build a kingdom that lasts beyond ourselves, a kingdom that is generational?
Understanding the Concept of Generational Kingdom Building
Biblical foundation:
God cares about generations, as seen from the book of Genesis.
Jesus invites us to build a kingdom that starts in our hearts, expands to our families, communities, and ultimately the world.
Psalm 78:1-8 as our guide:
Calls us to teach and pass on God’s story and instructions to the next generation.
What do we want our legacy to be? What do we want the next generation to say about us?
Biblical Mandate to Pass on Faith:
Psalm 78: Key Themes:
We are commanded not to hide God’s deeds but to declare His glorious works to the next generation.
Emphasis on telling the “works and words” of God.
Teaching the next generation about:
The works of God: Testimonies, stories, miracles, and deeds.
The words of God: His teachings, instructions, and laws.
Old Testament examples:
Stories of creation, covenant, and Exodus.
The presence of God in the temple, representing His dwelling among us.
Our Responsibility to Build the Kingdom for the Next Generation:
Application today:
We must teach the next generation the story and way of Jesus.
It’s not about a specific parenting style or cultural trend but about pointing to Jesus as the ultimate example.
Key roles for parents, grandparents, and non-parents:
Parents: Engage in actively teaching their children about Jesus through everyday life.
Grandparents: Continue to impact and bless even adult children with love, wisdom, and support.
Non-parents: Serve as mentors, coaches, or role models, impacting the younger generation in ways beyond family.
Practical Steps to Impact the Next Generation:
Step 1: Dedicate our own lives to Jesus
Before teaching others, we must be dedicated to following Christ ourselves.
We are examples not of perfection, but of faith and repentance.
Step 2: Dedicate the next generation to Yahweh
Recognize that children belong to God, and He is the ultimate source of life and salvation.
Our task is to point them to the loving, protective care of God.
Step 3: Engage in everyday discipleship:
Use everyday moments to teach the works and ways of Jesus.
Model forgiveness, humility, service, and love in daily interactions.
Encouraging the Whole Church Community to Participate:
For parents with young children:
Use church resources like the Ordinary Guide for Families to create a culture of discipleship in your home.
For parents with older children:
Continue guiding teenagers as they transition into adulthood, showing them how to own their faith.
For non-parents:
Find ways to mentor, teach, and support the younger generation within the church community.
Consider serving in kids' ministry, youth groups, or other areas where you can make an impact.
Conclusion: Building a Kingdom That Blesses the Next Generation
Focus on building, not on what's wrong:
Rather than being consumed by challenges or mistakes, focus on how we can contribute positively to the next generation’s faith journey.
The promise of God’s faithfulness:
Trust that as we dedicate ourselves and the next generation to Him, God will be faithful to work through us.
Final Thoughts:
We are all children of God. Before we can impact the next generation, we must remember and embrace our identity as beloved sons and daughters.
Let’s build a kingdom that lasts beyond ourselves by investing in the next generation with love, dedication, and faith in Jesus.
Biblical References
Primary Passage: Psalm 78:1-8
"Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God."
The Creation Story - Genesis 1:26-27
"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
The Covenant with Abraham - Genesis 12:1-3
"Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'"
The Exodus Story - Exodus 12:31-42
The story of God delivering His people from bondage in Egypt, as mentioned in the sermon, serves as a reminder of God's mighty acts of salvation.
The Ten Commandments - Exodus 20:1-17
Key reference to the laws and instructions given to Israel as guidance on how to live a life pleasing to God.
The Call to Teach the Law and Testimony - Deuteronomy 6:4-9
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
God’s Faithfulness Through Generations - Psalm 100:5
"For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
Jesus’ Command to Make Disciples - Matthew 28:18-20
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
Living as Children of God - John 1:12
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
Passing on Faith to the Next Generation - 2 Timothy 2:2
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection Questions
What specific steps can I take today to ensure that I am living a life dedicated to Jesus, demonstrating my faith to others around me, especially the next generation?
How can I intentionally share the stories of God’s faithfulness and the teachings of Jesus with my family, friends, or community, so they can see and experience the works and words of God in their own lives?
In what ways can I make sure my influence is leaving a positive, Christ-centered legacy that points others to Jesus, rather than just focusing on my own goals or achievements?
What obstacles or distractions currently prevent me from actively mentoring or supporting someone in their faith journey, and how can I overcome them to impact the next generation?
How can I contribute to creating an environment within my church or community that encourages intergenerational relationships, where younger and older members learn from each other and grow in their walk with God?
Daily Activities
1. Daily Family Devotional Time
Activity: Set aside 15-30 minutes each day to read a Bible passage with your family, reflect on its meaning, and discuss how it applies to your lives.
Application: This will help instill God’s Word and His works in your family, making the gospel a daily part of their experience. It aligns with Psalm 78’s call to pass on God’s teachings to the next generation.
2. Create a Family Testimony Journal
Activity: As a family, start a journal where you write down instances of God’s work, answered prayers, and blessings in your lives. Include testimonies from grandparents, parents, and even children.
Application: This will serve as a tangible record of God’s faithfulness, helping the next generation see how God has worked in their family, reinforcing the importance of sharing God's deeds.
3. Mentorship and Serving in Church Ministries
Activity: Commit to mentoring a younger person in your church community or volunteer in children’s or youth ministry.
Application: By sharing your faith journey, wisdom, and experiences, you’ll impact the next generation, living out the biblical mandate to teach and guide others in the ways of Jesus.
4. Practice Acts of Service Together as a Family
Activity: Choose a service project to do as a family, such as helping at a food bank, visiting an elderly neighbor, or supporting a community project.
Application: This will demonstrate Jesus' way of loving others and provide an opportunity for your family to learn that building God’s kingdom involves serving others, not just ourselves.
5. Set Aside Personal Reflection Time
Activity: Dedicate at least 10-15 minutes daily to personal prayer, reflection, and goal-setting, focusing on how you can grow as a disciple missionary and impact others for God’s kingdom.
Application: This helps you dedicate your life to Jesus, as discussed in the sermon, ensuring that you are growing spiritually and are equipped to lead others, including the next generation.
